This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. (NIAID-RML via AP)

Open letter

COVID-19: ‘We cannot do this alone,’ letter signed by 112 family doctors states

Surrey and North Delta physicians urge residents, especially youth, to do their part

An open letter signed by 112 family doctors in Surrey and North Delta is urging residents, especially young people, to do more to fight the spread of COVID-19.

“Doctors cannot do this alone,” the letter states. “What the public does now will impact the health of British Columbians the weeks and months ahead.”

The Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice said the message is for everyone but is particularly aimed at young people who might not be taking things as seriously as they should.

“We sometimes see you out in the park or at the beach,” the letter states. “You can get sick from this virus. You can also be carriers and cause a lot of harm to parents, grandparents, and other loved ones.”

Established in 2010, the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice is comprised of nearly 400 physicians, 40 resident doctors and 200 medical office assistants from across Surrey and North Delta. The Division is funded by the Government of B.C. and Doctors of B.C.

Here is the letter in full:

An Open Letter to British Columbians:

“The physicians of Surrey and North Delta are on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. This crisis is unlike anything we have experienced in our lifetime. We are working flat out to be there for our patients and their families. But we need your help.

Doctors cannot do this alone. What the public does now will impact the health of British Columbians the weeks and months ahead. Lives depend on your actions now.

Our province is in a state of emergency. Here is the directive from our Provincial Health Officer, Dr Bonnie Henry:

Stay home unless absolutely necessary. This means no dinner parties. No shopping. No sports, even outside. Have coffee with a friend online instead.

Keep 2 metres or 6 feet away from everyone if you must go out. That’s about the width of a car or the length of two arms stretched out.

Wash your hands frequently.

Tell your loved ones to do the same.

We urge you to follow these directives. This is especially important for young people. We sometimes see you out in the park or at the beach. You can get sick from this virus. You can also be carriers and cause a lot of harm to parents, grandparents, and other loved ones.

The time is now. We can’t wait one more hour or one more day. Let’s save lives, together.”